If you suspect you have a hernia or have been diagnosed with one, prompt medical attention is critical. Leaving it untreated puts you at risk of serious and possibly even fatal consequences if the hernia becomes “strangulated.” Our highly sought-after hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian, explains what that means in this post.
Anatomy of a Strangulated Hernia
A hernia occurs when a weakness or hole develops in the muscular wall holding the abdominal organs in place. Tissues and organs can herniate, or protrude, through the opening, creating a noticeable bulge. Hernias may develop due to a complication of abdominal surgery, physical activity or medical problems that increase pressure on the abdominal wall.
Some hernias cause no more than painless swelling while others cause discomfort and pain that worsens when lifting heavy objects, straining or standing for long periods of time. It depends on the circumstances.
Neglecting to repair a painful, large or severe hernia increases the risk of a serious complication called strangulation. A strangulated hernia describes part of the intestines becoming trapped in the opening of the abdominal wall in a way that cuts off blood supply to the organs. Strangulated hernias are considered medical emergencies and require immediate surgery to repair.
Do Strangulated Hernias Cause Warning Signs?
Strangulated hernias cause a noticeable bulge in the abdomen or pelvis. They can also cause excruciating abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and rapid heartbeat. Gastrointestinal complications of a strangulated hernia include bloody stools and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
Treating a Strangulated Hernia
If you experience the aforementioned symptoms and suspect you have a strangulated hernia, go straight to the emergency room. The doctors there will ask you about your symptoms, perform a visual inspection and possibly imaging testing (i.e., computed tomography or CT scan) to confirm the problem. Rapid treatment is critical.
When treating a strangulated hernia, the surgeon gently releases the trapped intestine and returns it to the abdominal cavity. Then, the surgeon repairs the weakness in the muscle wall. This may involve placing a piece of mesh for additional support to prevent the hernia from coming back.
Neglecting to seek medical attention could cause the tissue that has been cut off from its blood supply to die; this can lead to potentially fatal complications such as sepsis.
Prevent Hernia Complications
Generally speaking, it is better to deal with an operable hernia rather than risk a serious complication and emergency surgery. For trusted hernia advice from a knowledgeable expert, please request a consultation with Dr. Dumanian. Upon learning more about your circumstances, he can discuss the benefits and risks of elective treatment.